I love a Moscow Mule! It’s such a festive drink all dressed up in those cute little copper mugs…lol!

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is extra special because it has a delicious holiday twist.

The addition of apple cider makes it perfect for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving!

This cocktail combines vodka, apple cider, fresh squeezed lime juice, and bubbly ginger beer.

A little dollop of maple syrup gives it that extra autumnal touch.

It’s super refreshing and perfect to serve before your big holiday meal or on a cool evening sipping with friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Moscow Mule

One of my favorite things about this cocktail is how easy peasy it is to make! No cocktail shaker needed. You just mix everything right in your glass, top it off with ginger beer, and you’re ready to enjoy.

The combination of sweet apple cider, a little maple syrup, tart lime juice, and spicy ginger beer is so good.

It has all those wonderful fall flavors but still tastes light and refreshing.

And of course, it’s such a pretty drink for the holidays! Those copper mugs make it feel a little extra special without any extra work.

If you love apple cider cocktails as much as I do, you should also try my Apple Cider Martini. It has that same delicious combination of apple cider, vodka, and maple syrup but is served straight up with a pretty cinnamon sugar rim!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this festive fall cocktail.

Vodka: The traditional base for a Moscow Mule. I used Tito’s, but you can use your favorite vodka.
Apple Cider: This is what gives the cocktail its delicious fall flavor. I love using fresh apple cider, especially during apple season.
Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a little tartness and balances out the sweetness of the cider and maple syrup.
Ginger Beer: Gives the cocktail that wonderful bubbly finish and a little spicy ginger kick.
Maple Syrup: Just a teaspoon adds a touch of sweetness and gives the drink an extra autumnal twist.
Fresh Apple Slices: Perfect for garnishing and making the drink look festive.

How to Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule

This is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to put together!

Start by chilling your copper mug. I love serving Moscow Mules in copper mugs because not only do they look really cool, but they also help keep the drink colder.

Fill your mug with ice, then add 2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of apple cider, the juice from half a lime, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup.

Top it off with 3–4 ounces of ginger beer and give everything a gentle stir.

Now for the fun part…the garnish!

I cut an apple in half down the middle to make a pretty apple wheel. With the remaining apple, I sliced a few pieces and added those right into the drink as well.

You could also tuck in a cinnamon stick for another festive touch!

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Use a copper mug if you have one. You certainly don’t have to, but I think it’s part of the fun of serving Moscow Mules! The copper mug makes the drink look so festive and helps keep it nice and cold.

Use fresh squeezed lime juice. That little bit of fresh lime really brightens up the apple cider and balances the sweetness.

Add the ginger beer last. This keeps the cocktail nice and bubbly. Just give it a gentle stir after adding it.

Make your apple garnish right before serving. Fresh apple wheels look so pretty on the rim of a copper mug. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, brush them with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Make a Big Batch for Thanksgiving

Another cool feature of this cocktail is how easy it is to make for a crowd!

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, you could certainly make a big batch instead of mixing individual drinks all evening.

Simply combine the vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and maple syrup in a pitcher. Just leave out the ginger beer until it’s time to serve.

Keep the pitcher chilled and place the ginger beer next to it so your guests can finish their own drinks.

Have everyone fill their glasses about two-thirds full with the cocktail mixture, then top off with a little ginger beer.

It’s such an easy way to serve a festive cocktail without having to play bartender all night!

You can also have a little bowl of apple wheels ready for garnishing. Just remember to brush the slices with lemon juice if they’re going to sit out for a bit so they don’t turn brown.

If you’re planning your holiday drink menu, be sure to check out my 20 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails for even more festive ideas. There are plenty of delicious drinks to choose from!

When to Serve This Fall Cocktail

Thanksgiving is such a fun time to serve drinks like this for your friends and family, especially while everyone is gathering before the big meal.

It’s also a perfect Friendsgiving cocktail because you can make most of it ahead of time and let everyone add their own ginger beer.

But you certainly don’t need a holiday to enjoy it!

I think this would be just as delicious on a cool fall evening, sitting with friends and enjoying a little cocktail before dinner.

Or just make one for yourself as you sit and dream up that fabulous Thanksgiving menu!

And don’t forget the appetizers! I love serving a festive cocktail with a few little bites before dinner. Check out my Thanksgiving Appetizers for some fun and delicious ideas to serve alongside your drinks.

If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy apple cider this season, take a peek at my 8 Easy Apple Cider Cocktails for Fall. There are so many yummy ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite!

Happy sipping and Happy Holidays!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is such a fun seasonal twist on a classic cocktail. I love the combination of crisp apple cider, fresh lime, spicy ginger beer, and that little touch of maple syrup.

It’s simple, refreshing, and looks so festive served in a copper mug with fresh apple slices.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, celebrating Friendsgiving, or just enjoying a cozy fall evening, this is a wonderful cocktail to add to your holiday drink menu.

Happy sipping and Happy Holidays!